Amanda Rollins rejoins SVU as Kelli Giddish returns full-time while Pisano and Martinez exit the hit crime drama.
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Surprise Comeback!
Amanda Rollins is back on the beat! After her controversial exit midway through season 24, Kelli Giddish is strapping on the badge again.
The news has SVU diehards buzzing with excitement!
Entertainment Weekly just confirmed she’s not just making guest appearances anymore – she’s coming back full-time for season 27.
From Detective to Professor and Back
Giddish first joined the squad in season 13, quickly becoming a fan favorite.
After leaving her regular role, she popped up occasionally in seasons 25 and 26.
Now the former detective-turned-professor is ditching the classroom to rejoin the elite SVU team.
Her unexpected return marks one of the biggest casting shakeups in years.
BFFs Back Together
The Rollins-Benson friendship has always been magic on screen.
Their natural chemistry makes the reunion extra special for viewers.
Giddish herself gushed about working with Mariska Hargitay: “It’s comfortable and empowering.
I’m honored to play alongside her and call her friend.” The whole cast feels like family to her.
Some Hello, Some Goodbye
While fans celebrate Rollins’ return, they’ll need tissues for other farewells. Octavio Pisano and Juliana Aidén Martinez won’t return after season 26 wraps.
Pisano’s scarred, rowdy Detective Velasco joined in 2021, while Martinez’s Detective Silva just came aboard in 2024.
Their departures follow other recent losses from the franchise.
Timing Is Everything
SVU’s flagship series already lost two major players in 2024 – Lt. Kate Dixon (Camryn Manheim) and the legendary D.A. Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston).
Waterston appeared in over 400 episodes before saying goodbye.
Catch the season 26 finale, ominously titled “Post-Rage,” May 15 on NBC before Rollins makes her triumphant return.